We refer to the written statement made by the de facto Minister for Law in Parliament yesterday stating that there would be no prosecution of Ibrahim Ali over his Bible-burning statement as he was “only defending the sanctity of Islam”.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia on behalf of Christians in Malaysia is outraged at the fact that threats to burn our Holy Bible is considered an act in defence of Islam.

The CFM feels strongly that this position is irresponsible as it gives carte blanche or free rein to other extremists to do likewise not just to Christians but to any other religious community that is not Muslim.

By no logic or rationalisation and under no circumstances whatsoever can a threat or call to violent action, desecration of another Malaysian citizen’s sacred text be considered defensive.

We strongly protest against the obviously inexcusable position adopted by the Government. We call upon all right thinking members of Parliament, irrespective of their ethnicity, religious background or political affiliation to join in passing a motion of censure against the Minister for making such a scandalous and irresponsible statement.